Sega Master Force


Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Sega
Machine: Sega Master System (EU Version)

 
Published in Sega Master Force #6

One day computers will take over the world and terminate all human beings. Can you imagine your Master System going to war with a Nintendo and joining forces with toasters?

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

1997 was a bad year for mankind. The world was involved in a global nuclear war which wiped out nearly all of civilization. The few survivors of this terrible holocaust called it Judgment Day.

Three decades later, the war against the machines continues, the humans led into battle by rebel commander John Connor.

Skynet, the evil computer organisation behind Judgment Day, have also tried to meddle with time. Their first mission involved sending one of their humanoid Terminator robots back in time to kill Sarah Connor, mother of the resistance leader who would cause so much trouble. This failed miserably when she crushed the Terminator in a steel press.

He's Back!

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Their second evil plan is to send a new, improved Terminator - the T-1000 - back in time to kill the ten-year-old John Connor. Luckily, the adult John heard of this plot, reprogrammed a captured T-800 - played by Arnie in the film - and sent it back to the Nineties, too.

Your character is the mighty Arnie and his mission is to defend John Connor - the future of humanity lies in your big metal hands! Each level is concerned with specific task, such as finding a gun and staying alive, setting explosive charges and rescuing Sarah Connor.

On your way through each level, you can collect energy power-ups, pistols and ammunition. Pistols can only be found after the first level so you have to fight with your bare fists to begin with.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

You've only three lives and limited energy. When you're hit by a bullet or punch, your energy decreases; lose it all and a life's lost too, Poor Arnie!

Nick

No offense to Acclaim, but they seem to be digging out all their old Nintendo games and converting them to the Master System. Why can't we have original games instead? I don't mind in the case of Bart Vs The World because it's a fun game, but Terminator 2 was never brilliant and the film came and went long ago.

T2 is simply another run-along-and-be-violent game. You play The Terminator and your first job's to punch the lights out on a few crumbly blokes in a bar. You don't get your hands on a gun till the next level.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Many of the film's scenes have been converted into levels, with hundreds of cronies waiting to be killed off and plenty of power-ups to collect along the way. But come on, don't you think that's boring? I couldn't play for very long - I longed to be back bouncing around platforms and playing sub-games in Bart!

Terminator 2: Judgment Day has been released on the Master System far too late to contribute to the hype of the film. I really don't know why they bothered. 49%

Rob

I don't know about you, but I've just about had enough of weak platform games based around film heroes like Robocop and Batman. To top it all, Terminator 2: Judgment Day is released and guess what? It's another weak platform game. I wish the Judgment Day bit meant the decent platformers were sorted out from the dross.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Much of it's either too difficult or plain boring. For instance, Level 1 has very little variety - you're directed to different parts of the stage and beat up punks. In later sections you pick up a pathetic gun which makes things more interesting, but only just.

The main sprites are blocky and small, which adds no realism; music and sound FX are equally bad. The music doesn't fit in with the tough image the game tries to put across.

There's little here to keep you playing for long. The Terminator films have plenty of action which could be brought across in a game but this doesn't do the job. 54%

Verdict

Another shoot-'em-up with nothing new to offer - and it's missed out on all the T2 hype, as well!